If you’re on the fence about securing your home against intruders, here are some numbers from the FBI Crime Data Explorer that might push you onto the “guess I better do it” side. Over a two-year period from 2023 to 2024, almost 300,000 residences were burglarized in the United States. That’s disconcerting, but there’s more: The total value of stolen goods in the U.S. during that period (not just from residences) topped $2 trillion! If that convinces you to look seriously at home security, you may find yourself comparing the benefits of a deadbolt vs. door knob lock to keep burglars out, and we’re here to help.

We enlisted a group of professionals that included a locksmith, a home repair specialist, a door maker and two home security experts to help you decide whether you need both or just one, and if the latter, which one.

Deadbolt vs. Door Knob Lock: What Are They?

Virtually every swinging door has a doorknob, but they don’t all lock. Those that do are called locksets, and these are typically what you find on an entry door. A lockset may have a key, keypad or wireless controls, and when it’s locked, the knob (or handle) either won’t turn, or it won’t engage with the locking mechanism.

A deadbolt is a separate locking mechanism that may or may not be incorporated into the lockset. It consists of a barrel bolt that extends an inch or more into the door jamb and a mechanism to extend and retract the bolt. On the outside of the door, you can operate the mechanism with a key, a keypad or wirelessly with a mobile app. On the inside, there’s usually a handle that you can turn manually or a keypad.

What’s the difference?

The barrel of a door knob lock is spring-loaded and beveled on one side, and when you close the door, the barrel automatically retracts without the need to turn the handle. When the door is closed, the half-to-three-quarter-inch barrel rests inside a pre-drilled hole in the jamb that is reinforced by a metal strike plate. Depending on the quality of the lockset, it may be possible to jimmy this kind of lock open by forcing back the spring-loaded barrel back with something thin and flat, like a credit card.

A deadbolt, on the other hand, has a longer barrel that isn’t beveled. It isn’t spring-loaded either, so you can only lock it when the door is closed, and you can’t force the barrel back from the outside.

Do I Really Need a Deadbolt and a Door Knob Lock?

Maybe not. According to locksmith Bryan Runk, if your door is made from a sturdy material, you can probably get by with one or the other. However, on doors made from lightweight materials, he says a deadbolt and keyed hand knob combination is recommended because of the security it provides. Security expert Jeff Ketelaars adds: “Ultimately, having both sets of locks along with security cameras and an integrated security system is best for anyone looking to defend their home.”

However, it’s important to factor in convenience and safety. Having to open two locks can be a pain when you’re standing outside with a bag or groceries, and, as door manufacturer Myles Robinson points out, double locks can slow you down when you need to get out of the house quickly during an emergency.

Deadbolt vs. Door Knob Lock: Which Is More Secure?

There’s no controversy here. It’s the deadbolt, and every expert on our panel would agree with this statement by home repair pro Rick Berres: “In terms of security, you really want the deadbolt, particularly if we’re talking about doors leading outside. They’re sturdier and hold better in case of a forced entry attempt or a break-in attempt.”

Deadbolt & Door Knob Lock: Pros and Cons of Having Both

When I asked security advisor Laura Finson if she saw any drawbacks to having both a door knob lock and a deadbolt, she answered: “None at all. In fact, pairing a doorknob lock with a deadbolt adds an extra layer of security, without complicating your daily routine.” She notes that double locks can deter burglars: “Burglars often look for easy wins, and a home without a visible deadbolt looks like one. A strong, secure deadbolt makes them think twice.”

Berres agreed there were no drawbacks as far as exterior doors are concerned, but for interior doors, “you’re going to get annoyed having both when it’s really not necessary.” As already mentioned, double locks on exterior doors can be inconvenient when you’re loaded down with groceries, and they can slow you down if you have to get out of the house in a hurry.

Plus, there’s the issue of needing two separate keys, but you can get around that by having both locks set to the same key.

Pros & Cons of Only Having a Deadbolt

“It’s a balance of security and convenience,” says Ketelaars.

Pros

  • A single lock is easier to manage, especially if you’re someone that loses keys easily, and if you’re going to have just one lock, it should be a deadbolt.
  • A visible deadbolt can deter burglars.
  • As long as you have a sturdy door, a deadbolt can provide adequate security on its own.

Cons

  • No matter how you slice it, two locks are better than one when it comes to securing your home. “A single lock can be a single point of failure,” says Finson, “especially to a determined intruder.”
  • A deadbolt is overkill on an interior door, unless it’s a door to a secure area where you’re storing treasure or making secret plans.

About the Experts

  • Jeff Ketelaars is a seasoned security expert with over 35 years in the industry. He co-founded Security Guards Only, a networking platform for security professionals to connect and stay informed on industry developments.
  • Laura Finson is the Director of Product and Strategy at Brinks Home Security.
  • Rick Berres has been in the home construction and remodeling business for 18 years. He is the owner of Honey-Doers based in Lakeville, MN
  • Myles Robinson is the founder and owner of UK Composite Doors. He has extensive experience in home maintenance, remodeling, DIY and improvements.
  • Bryan Runk has been in the locksmithing business for over 10 years. He is the owner of Bryman’s Locksmith in Dublin, Ohio.

Sources

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Chris Deziel
Chris Deziel is a freelance service journalist who worked in landscaping and home improvement for more than thirty years. He has published over 10,000 how-to and expository pieces on home improvement and nature topics since he began writing in 2010. Deziel lives and works in an off-grid home in California where he enjoys recording original music an...
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Chris Deziel